One year ago today, Hamas terrorists started this war with brutal acts of violence that were horrifying, sickening, and pure evil — marking the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas massacred 1,200 innocent people (including 46 Americans), sexually assaulted women, and took 251 hostages — which 97 hostages still remain in captivity today.
As we mourn the loss of so many innocent lives over this past year — we continue to pray for the families of the victims, the strength of all those who bravely combat terrorism, and the sustained safety of Jewish and Palestinian people all around the world. May their memories be a blessing.
We must also pray for the return of all the hostages, an end to this war, & a permanent peace in the Middle East. We must ensure lasting security for Israel by guaranteeing its right to defend itself against terrorism & ensuring the Palestinian people can realize their right to freedom, security, and self-determination.
Conflicts like this one also have far-reaching consequences, touching the lives of people far from the violence and hostility. Discussion and debate over this issue is critical and important, but we must not succumb to hatred or cruelty.
The past year has seen deeply troubling incidents of both antisemitism and Islamaphobia skyrocket online, on-campus, and around the world in every aspect of our daily discourse. 1 in 5 young people now believe the Holocaust was a myth. Hate has no place in America. Indeed, all Americans who call this country home must be able to live their lives free from hatred, harassment, or intimadation of any kind.
No matter how you feel about this conflict – and our generation has demonstrated strong and differing opinions — we must express those views safely, respectfully, and most importantly, peacefully.